MVA Extending Service Hours for Marylanders to Attain REAL ID

TOWSON, Md. - AAA says Marylanders have less than a year and a half to become REAL ID compliant. “Passed in the aftermath of 9/11, the REAL ID Act of 2005 established a new, federal standard for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards required to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Manager of Public and Government Affairs. Maryland is a REAL ID compliant jurisdiction, which means starting in October 2020, area residents will need either a REAL ID or a passport to board even a domestic airline flight or enter a federal building. AAA Travel Services says to expedite the process of obtaining a REAL ID, you must meet the burden of proof. AAA says you will need one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, plus two proofs of residency of your state or jurisdiction. All the documents required to verify your identity must be originals, including official birth documents issued by a state. All documents are subject to verification. Temporary documents and photocopies will not be accepted. To reduce wait times for REAL ID, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration is extending service hours at seven branch offices starting next Tues., May 7. Under the plan, the Maryland MVA will make more than 3,000 appointments available statewide each day. The number of drivers’ licenses renewals in Maryland has ballooned from 10,000 a month to 100,000 drivers’ licenses per month, according to MVA Administrator Christine Nizer.  AAA says to avoid the wait, Maryland residents are eligible for early renewal up to six months before their driver’s license or identification card expires. “The process of obtaining your permanent REAL ID credential can prove time-consuming and tedious. You must present full documentation proving identity, and only original versions or certified copies of the required documents will be accepted,” said Averella. “However, before standing in a long line or making an appointment, check to see if you already have a REAL ID credential. If you have a star in the upper right-hand corner of your driver’s license, permit, or identification card, you have a REAL-ID compliant license,” Averella added. For security purposes, your renewed driver’s license or identification card will be mailed directly to your home address. Maryland residents must gather and bring the following documents with them to renew:

1. One proof of age and identity. Examples: An original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport. Please note:
   • If your current legal name is different than what is listed on these documents, you will also need to provide a government-issued marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other court document(s) to explain the name change.
   • If you do not have your birth certificate, you will need to contact your state or county Department of Health office in the state of your birth and request an original or certified copy. Some states may take up to five months to process duplicate birth certificates.
   • When it comes to proof of identification and legal presence, keep in mind, birth documents issued by a hospital; notification or birth registration; and Puerto Rico birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 are not accepted.
2. One proof of Social Security. Examples: An original Social Security Card, W-2 form, or an SSA-1099 (Displaying your name and entire Social Security number).
3. Two separate proofs of Maryland residency. Examples: insurance card, vehicle registration, credit card or utility bill, bank statement, mail from a federal, state, or local government agency, displaying your name, and Maryland residential address.

REAL ID is not required for children under 18 and you will be able to board a flight, if you have a U.S. Passport or another form of approved identification, you can use that instead. Maryland residents are encouraged to make an appointment on the MDOT MVA website, and after collecting documentation visit a local branch to become REAL ID compliant.